United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Amends part B (Professional Standards Review) of title XI of the Social Security Act to permit an organization qualified for conditional designation as a Professional Standards Review Organization to include health care practitioners, other than physicians and osteopaths, who hold independent hospital admitting privileges, if invited to become members by the organization. Includes as members of the advisory group for each statewide Professional Standards Review Council at least one registered professional nurse and doctor of dental surgery. Includes one registered professional nurse, one doctor of dental surgery, and one health practioner other than a physician in the National Professional Standards Review Council. Establishes an advisory committee to the National Professional Standards Review Council to be made up of representatives of health care practitioners other than physicians. Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to authorize hospitals which have less than a 60 percent occupancy rate and which have been granted a certificate of need for the provision of long-term care services to enter agreements under which their inpatient hospital facilities may be used to furnish services which if furnished by a skilled nursing facility would constitute post-hospital extended care services. Amends title XIX (Medicaid) of the Act to provide coverage for skilled nursing facility services and intermediate care facility services furnished by a hospital which has in effect such an agreement under title XVIII. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Act to require, as a condition for payment to any State under titles V (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) or XIX of the Act for costs incurred in the performance of audits of entities which also provide services under title XVIII, that such audits be coordinated with audits of entities performed for purposes of title XVIII.
United States · United States Congress · 8 May 1979
Medicare Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act with respect to home health care services to eliminate: (1) the 100 visit limitation presently applicable to such services; (2) prior hospitalization as a condition of eligibility for such services; and (3) the $60 deductible. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to prescribe regulations which prohibit a physician who has a significant financial relationship with a home health agency from certifying that the services of such agency are required for any individual, and from establishing and reviewing a plan for furnishing such services to such individuals. Requires home health aides to complete a training program approved by the Secretary. Repeals provisions of title XVIII which prohibit the classification, as a home health agency, of a private organization which is not a nonprofit organization unless licensed pursuant to State law. Eliminates the requirement of consecutive months in the 24-month Medicare waiting period for railroad retirement disability beneficiaries, or old-age, survivors and disability insurance beneficiaries who are disabled, to be eligible for Medicare hospital care benefits. Authorizes the President under title XVIII, to enter into agreements establishing reciprocal arrangements between the health insurance program established by such title and the program of any foreign country under which similar services are provided directly to entitled individuals or under which insurance is provided to meet all or part of the expenses of entitled individuals for health services. Requires that any such agreement specify: (1) the nature and extent of payment to be made to or on behalf of individuals entitle to benefits; (2) limitations on the nature and duration of health services and on entitlement of individuals to benefits on a reciprocal basis under an agreement in the United States and in the foreign country;(3) limitations on entitlement of individuals to benefits; and (4) the methods by which the cost of providing health services on a reciprocal basis shall be shared by the United States and the foreign country. Directs the Secretary to make rules and regulations and to establish procedures which are reasonable and necessary to implement and administer any agreement which has been entered into in accordance with this Act. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into interim arrangements with any hospital in a foreign country which is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, or such other hospitals as the Secretary finds meets specified health and safety standards. Provides Medicare coverage for: (1) all services performed by a dentist which would be covered if performed by a physician; and (2) inpatient hospital services furnished because of the severity of the dental procedure. Authorizes payments under the Medicare program for the cutting or removal of warts on the feet. Allows reimbursement under the Medicare program for services furnished in qualified community mental health centers and comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation centers. Restricts payment for optometrists' services under Medicare to services related to the treatment of aphakia. Directs the Secretary to make recommendations with respect to providing Medicare coverage for the treatment of cataracts and for other services which optometrists may perform. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out demonstration projects to permit reimbursement under title XVIII for services provided by hospices offering comprehensive health service. Directs the Secretary to study methods for providing Medicare coverage for orthopedic shoes. Authorizes payment under the Medicare program for antigens prepared by a physician. Authorizes the Secretary to make payments of such benefits as are necessary to correct the effect of an unintentional or erroneous transfer of an individual from an approved hospital or skilled nursing facility. Includes rural health facility of 50 beds or less within the definition of the term "hospital, under title XVIII." Makes special provisions with respect to nursing services, health, fire, and safety requirements for such facilities. Recognizes podiatrists as physicians for purposes of physician certification and participation in utilization review, where consistent with State law and policies of the health care institutions involved. Allows a speech pathologist, as well as a physician, to establish the plan of treatment for speech pathology services. States that where services are provided for which payment may be made under the Medicare program to an individual who has died and the persons who provided the services do not agree that the reasonable charge is the full charge for the services, payment shall be made on the basis of an itemized bill. Repeals provisions of the Medicare program concerning the presumed coverage for extended care facilities and home health care in specified circumstances. Repeals the existing provisions under part A (Hospital Insurance) of title XVIII under which payment to a provider of services shall be the lesser of the reasonable cost of such services or the customary charge with respect to such services, and provides that payment to a provider shall now be based upon the reasonable cost of such services. Limits to a maximum of 30 percent the amount by which the premium for voluntary participation in Medicare insurance may be increased due to late enrollment. Repeals the prohibition against enrolling more than twice in the Supplementary Medical Insurance Program (part B of title XVIII). Authorizes Medicare coverage for certain services furnished by: (1) chiropractors; and (2) clinical psychologists to certain hospital inpatients. Directs the Secretary to develop and carry out demonstration projects to determine how to make the services of clinical social workers more generally available under the Medicare program.
United States · United States Congress · 7 May 1979
Gasohol Marketing Freedom Act of 1979 - Amends the Petroleum Marketing Practices Act to prohibit the termination of a gasoline dealer's franchise due to its selling, consigning, or distributing gasohol, and prohibits any reprisals or discrimination against retailers or distributors of gasohol because of such sale, consignment, or distribution.
United States · United States Congress · 3 May 1979
Schools of Education Assistance Act - Directs the Commissioner of Education to make grants to schools of education for fiscal years 1981-1985 for the diversification and redirection of teacher education programs, including: (1) retraining faculty; (2) establishing new programs to prepare elementary and secondary teachers to work in other settings, such as business, industry, private schools or related social services; and (3) establishing model projects. Directs the Commissioner to reserve a part of the funds appropriated for projects under this Act for related educational research and program evaluation.
United States · United States Congress · 25 April 1979
Dispute Resolution Act - Directs the Attorney General to establish in the Department of Justice the Dispute Resolution Program, including the Dispute Resolution Resource Center and the Dispute Resolution Advisory Board. Includes among the functions of the Center: (1) serving as an information clearinghouse for dispute resolution information; (2) providing technical assistance to State and local governments; (3) conducting research with respect to dispute resolution; (4) surveying existing dispute resolution mechanisms; and (5) identifying the types of minor civil disputes which are amenable to informal resolution. Directs the Board to advise the Attorney General with respect to this Act. Authorizes the Attorney General to provide financial assistance to State and local governments and nonprofit organizations for improving existing dispute resolution mechanisms or establishing new mechanisms. Specifies the purposes for which such assistance may be used, including a prohibition against the use of such funds for attorneys' fees. Directs the Attorney General to: (1) enter into a contract for an independent study of the Dispute Resolution Program and make public and submit to Congress the results of such study by April 1, 1984; and (2) submit annually to Congress a report with respect to the administration of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
State and Local Government Cost Estimate Act of 1979 - Amends the Congressional Budget Act to require the Congressional Budget Office, for every bill or resolution reported in the House or Senate, to prepare and submit (along with its regular estimate of the Federal cost involved) an estimate of the costs which would be incurred by State and local governments in carrying out or complying with such bill or resolution.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
Controlled Substances Sentencing Amendments of 1979 - Amends the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to establish mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment for the commission of certain offenses currently prohibited under such Acts. Increases such minimum terms if the defendant had been convicted previously of a felony. Authorizes a court to sentence an individual to a shorter term of imprisonment or parole ineligibility upon a finding of specified mitigating circumstances. Stipulates that the imposition or execution of a sentence under such Act: (1) may not include probation; (2) may not be suspended; (3) may not run concurrently; and (4) may not come under the provisions of the Federal Youth Corrections Act. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to require that a separate sentencing hearing be conducted when an individual is convicted of an offense for which a mandatory term of imprisonment is authorized under this Act. Directs a judicial officer, in setting the conditions of release pending trial, to consider whether a person charged with an offense under title I of this Act poses a threat to the community or will commit similar offenses. Authorizes such judicial officer to deny pretrial release to such individual upon a finding by clear and convincing evidence of specified aggravating circumstances in a separate hearing. Sets forth due process requirements for such hearings.
United States · United States Congress · 24 April 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Soviet Union should: (1) permit emigration from the Soviet Union; (2) remove restrictions on religious and cultural practices; and (3) stop harassing individuals who wish to leave or practice their religion.
United States · United States Congress · 23 April 1979
Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1979 - Title I: Findings, Policy, and Definitions - Declares it the purpose of this Act to preserve for the benefit of present and future generations certain lands in the State of Alaska in order to: (1) preserve unrivaled scenic, geologic, and wildlife values; (2) perpetuate significant and diverse ecosystems; (3) protect and preserve cultural values of Native and non-Native people; (4) provide recreation; (5) maintain wilderness resource values; (6) preserve rivers; (7) maintain opportunities for research; and (8) utilize natural resources, consistent with sound ecological principles. Provides that: (1) intangible values should be considered on an equal basis with tangible values; (2) the management policies should cause the least adverse impact possible to people who depend on subsistence uses of resources; and (3) the interests of the State of Alaska and the Native Corporations shall be continually considered in carrying out provisions of this Act to maintain a viable economy and provide employment for citizens of Alaska. Title II: National Park System - Designates as units of the National Park System: (1) Bering Land Bridge National Monument; (2) Cape Krusenstern National Monument; (3) Gates of the Arctic National Monument; (4) Kenal Fjords National Monument; (5) Kobuk Valley National Monument; (6) Lake Clark National Monument; (7) Yukon-Charley National Monument; and (8) Katmai National Monument. Expands and redesignates: (1) Aniakchak National Monument by the addition of 160,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Aniakchak National Park and National Preserve; (2) Mount McKinley National Park by the addition of Denali National Monument to be redesignated as Denali National Park and National Preserve; (3) Glacier Bay National Monument by the addition of 40,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Glacier Bay National Park; (4) Noatak National Monument by the addition of 660,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Noatak National Preserve; and (5) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Monument by the addition of 1,230,000 acres of public lands to be redesignated as Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve. Establishes as units of the National Park System: (1) Aniakchak National Preserve; and (2) Lake Clark National Preserve. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer lands, waters, and interests of all National Park System units in accordance with applicable laws and this Act. Incorporates the redesignated national monuments specified in this Act as part of the appropriate national park. Makes available for the appropriate national park any funds which were available for the corresponding monument. Subjects the portion of the Alaska Railroad right-of-way within Denali National Park to laws and regulations applicable to fish and wildlife protection. Permits the continuation of reindeer grazing within Bering Land Bridge National Park. Prohibits the Secretary, generally, from acting to restrict unreasonably the exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to State or Federal law, within respect to the Malaspina Glacier area of Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and the Dry Bay area of Glacier Bay National Park. Requires the Secretary to recognize and convey valid Native selections or nominations of land within boundaries of the Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve in accordance with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Prohibits the charging of fees for admission to any unit of the National Park System located in Alaska. Title III: National Wildlife Refuge System - Redesignates Becharof National Monument as Becharof National Wildlife Refuge and Yukon Flats National Monument as Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Designates as units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (6) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Selawik National Wildlife Refuge; (8) Teshekpuk National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; and (10) Utukok National Wildlife Refuge. Expands the following units of the National Wildlife Refuge System: (1) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (2) Cape Newenham National Wildlife Refuge; (3) Clarence Rhode National Wildlife Range and Hazen Bay National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Kenai National Moose Range; and (5) Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Declares that all Executive orders and other administrative actions which were in effect before the date of enactment of this Act will remain in force, except to the extent that they are inconsistent with this Act or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Makes available for the purposes of any conservation units established under this Act all funds that were previously available. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer each wildlife refuge subject to valid existing rights and in accordance with applicable law and this Act. Prohibits the Secretary from permitting uses or granting easements in the above-designated refuges which are not compatible with the purposes of the refuge. Withdraws, subject to valid existing rights, all public lands in each refuge from all forms of appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of the mineral leasing laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit oil and gas development under a leasing program. Directs that the area of the Iliamna watershed be managed for the primary purposes of watershed protection and fish production. Prohibits the Secretary from conveying any lands in such area to the State of Alaska, unless the State devises a plan for the protection of management of the watershed and fishery resources of such area. Provides that nothing in this title shall limit the Secretary's responsibility with respect to the exploration of oil reserves under the Naval Petroleum Reserves Production Act of 1976. Prohibits the Secretary from acting to restrict unreasonably the exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to State or Federal law with respect to designed or redesignated units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Directs the Secretary to undertake to enter into cooperative management agreements with Native Corporations, the State, or persons owning land within the refuge. States that land subject to the agreement shall be managed by the owner in a manner compatible with the major purposes of the refuge, and in a manner which will not diminish opportunities for subsistence uses in the refuge. Sets forth terms and conditions for such agreements. States that the Congress finds that barren-ground caribou are a migratory species deserving special protection and that the Western Arctic and Porcupine herds of such caribou are of national and international significance. Directs the Secretary to conduct a study of the barren-ground caribou herds north of the Yukon and Tanna Rivers, and, acting through the Secretary of State, to initiate negotiations with the Government of Canada in order to enter into a treaty to protect the Porcupine caribou herd and its habitat. Title IV: National Forest System - Expands as units of the National Forest System the Tongass National Forest and the Chugach National Forest. Directs that such lands as are added to the Tongass and Chugach National Forests shall be administered by the Secretary of Agriculture in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the laws applicable to the National Forest System. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to modify any existing national forest timber sale contracts applying to lands designated by this Act as wilderness by substituting other national forest lands of corresponding quality, quantity, and access, to the extent practicable. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to acquire timber rights to those lands selected for the village of Angoon under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act by purchase or exchange for timber rights elsewhere within the Tongass National Forest. Allows, at the election of the shareholders of Kootznoowoo, Inc., the conveyance of timber rights to lands selected by the corporation to the Secretary of Agriculture, and within one year after such a conveyance the conveyance to Kootznoowoo, Inc. of timber rights which are of equal value to those conveyed to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate alternative lands, of equal or greater timber value, for the benefit of Shee Atika, Inc., in satisfaction of the rights of the Natives of Sitka as provided by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Specifies that such lands shall be located in southeast Alaska other than Admiralty Island. Sets forth procedures for conveyance of surface and subsurface rights, and the release of such rights. Directs the Secretary to convey specified lands to: (1) Goldbelt, Inc., representing the Natives of Juneau with respect to their land entitlements under the Alaska Natives Claims Settlement Act; and (2) S.E. Alaska, Inc. Exempts such conveyances from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reimburse Shee Atika, Inc., Goldbelt, Inc., and Kootznoowoo, Inc. for reasonable and necessary land selection costs. Specifies that permits issued by the Forest Service, before the enactment of this Act, for a dwelling or campsite in the Admiralty Island National Monument, Misty Fjords National Monument, or any wilderness area, shall expire not later than ten years after the enactment of this Act. Provides a limited exception to such permit expiration for Thayer Lake Lodge. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to permit the taking of fish and wildlife in national forest wilderness areas designated by this Act. Designates Admiralty Island National Monument and Misty Fjords National Monument as conservation system units. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue regulations with respect to mining activities on national forest lands in Alaska in order to protect water quality in such areas. Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to prohibit any land conveyed to a Native Corporation pursuant to this Act, which is within a contingency area designated in a U.S. timber sale contract, from being subject to such contract or to entry or timbering by the contractor. Prohibits a timber contractor from entering or cutting timber from land in a contingency area that has been withdrawn or selected by a Native Corporation until such Corporation has received all conveyances. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to improve timber production from high quality timber growing sites in the Tongass National Forest through a program of precommercial thinning. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an insured or guaranteed loan program for purchasers of national forest materials in Alaska to assist such purchasers in the acquisition of equipment to use wood products which might not otherwise be utilized. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out a study and report to Congress to identify opportunities to increase timber yields on national forest lands in Alaska, and to reduce inefficient timber uses or waste of national forest produced fiber. Title V: National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - Amends the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act by adding to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System the following rivers (or segments thereof) which are outside the boundaries of other conservation system units: Birch Creek, Colville, Copper, Delta, Etivluk-Nigu, Fortymile, Gulkana, Alagnak, Killik, Nowitna, Selawik, Unalakleet, and Yukon (Ramparts section). Adds to the system the following rivers (or segments thereof) which form the boundary of, or are within, any national preserves in Alaska: Aniakchak and Charley (including their major tributaries), Chilikadrotna, Chitina, Mulchatna, Noatak, Stony, and Telaquana. Adds to the system portions of the following rivers which form the boundary of, or are within, any national wildlife refuge in Alaska: Nowitna, Colville, Porcupine, Beaver Creek, Sheenjek, Andreafsky, Selawik, Ivishak, Kanektok, Kisaralik, Squirrel, and Utukok. Requires that detailed boundaries and development plans be established for specified rivers within one to three years of the date of enactment of this Act. Designates the following rivers to be studied for possible inclusion in the system: Ikpikpuk, Koyuk, Kuskokwim, Melozitna, Mulchatna, Nelchina-Tazlina, Nuyakuk, Situk, and Susitna. Sets forth requirement for the completion of such studies. Authorizes the Secretary to seek cooperative agreement with the owners of non-Federal lands adjoining rivers which are newly designated units of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Permits the Secretary to establish a river protection zone extending two miles from the banks of such rivers. Withdraws the minerals in Federal lands within the boundaries of such rivers and within each such river protection zone from all forms of appropriation under the United States mining laws. Authorizes the Secretary to permit the use of snowmobiles for customary purposes by local residents and by authorized subsistence users, if such use was occurring on or before January 1, 1979. Authorizes the Secretary to grant permits to oil and gas pipelines to cross areas designated as wild, scenic, or recreational river areas in Alaska, if the Secretary determines that no feasible alternative route exists. Title VI: National Wilderness Preservation System - Designates as units of the National Wilderness Preservation System certain lands in: (1) Aniakchak National Park and Preserve; (2) Bering Land Bridge National Preserve; (3) Denali National Park and Preserve; (4) Gates of the Arctic National Park; (5) Glacier Bay National Park; (6) Katmai National Park; (7) Kenai Fjords National Park; (8) Kobuk Valley National Park; (9) Lake Clark National Park and Preserve; (10) Noatak National Preserve; (11) Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and National Preserve; and (12) Yukon-Charley National Preserve. Designates as wilderness areas within the National Wilderness Reservation System certain lands in: (1) Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; (2) Arctic National Wildlife Range; (3) Becharof National Wildlife Refuge; (4) Innoko National Wildlife Refuge; (5) Izembek National Wildlife Range; (6) Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge; (7) Kenai National Wildlife Range; (8) Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge; (9) Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge; (10) Nunivak National Wildlife Refuge; (11) Sulawik National Wildlife Refuge; (12) Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge; (13) Togiak National Wildlife Range; (14) Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge; and (15) Afognak Island. Designates as wilderness areas within the National Forest System certain lands in Chugach National Forest and Tongass National Forest. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to study the feasibility of designating Prince William Sound, Chugach National Forest as a wilderness area and to report his findings to the President and the Congress within three years. Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to permit fishery research, management, enhancement, and rehabilitation activities within national forest wilderness areas in Alaska. Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to implement a cooperative planning process for the enhancement of fisheries resources in the Chugach and Tongass National Forests. Provides for the maintenance of existing public use cabins located in national forest wilderness areas and the construction of a limited number of new cabins for the protection of the public health and safety. Directs the Secretary to review nondesignated wilderness areas and to report to the President and the Congress on the feasibility of designating such areas as wilderness areas. Title VII: Subsistence - Declares that the first priority consumptive use of public land resources under this Act shall be the taking of fish and other renewable resources for nonwasteful subsistence uses by local rural residents. Stipulates that restrictions on the taking of populations of fish and wildlife on such lands for subsistence uses in order to protect the continued viability of such populations, or to continue such uses, shall be based on: (1) customary and direct dependence upon the populations as the mainstay of livelihood; (2) local residency; and (3) the availability of alternative resources. Authorizes the States to regulate the taking of fish and wildlife on public lands for subsistence uses in a manner consistent with the policies and requirements of this Act. Directs the Secretary, if the State fails to exercise its authority to regulate subsistence uses, to establish: (1) at least seven Alaska subsistence resource regions which, taken together, include all public lands; (2) such local advisory committees within each region, as necessary, based upon a finding that the existing State fish and game advisory committees do not adequately assist in the preparation of the reports required of the regional councils; and (3) a regional advisory council in each subsistence region, to be composed of residents of the affected region. Sets forth the duties of such regional councils in regard to subsistence uses of fish and wildlife within the regions, including the preparation of annual reports to the Secretary. Requires that such reports contain identifications, evaluations and recommended strategies for the management of fish and wildlife populations within the regions, as well as recommendations concerning policies, standards, guidelines, and regulations to implement such strategies. Directs the Secretary to follow the advice of such councils unless he determines in writing that such advice is not supported by substantial evidence, violates recognized principles of fish and wildlife conservation, or would be detrimental to the satisfaction of subsistence needs. Directs the Secretary to monitor State regulation of the subsistence preference granted under this title and to advise the States and Congress of his findings and recommendations. Directs the local and regional advisory councils established by this title to notify the Secretary if any such council determines that the State has not adequately provided for a system of subsistence preference in the region or locality which such council represents. Directs the Secretary to review the determinations of any council and advise the State of his findings. Directs the Secretary to close public areas to all consumptive uses except subsistence uses by local residents if he determines that the States has failed to comply with directives from the Secretary regarding improvements in the subsistence preference program and that such failure endangers the fish or wildlife population in an area or the ability of rural residents to satisfy their subsistence needs. Sets forth procedures for hearing and appeal by the State. Gives the Secretary emergency authority to close any public land to subsistence uses if necessary for public safety, administration, or to insure the natural stability and continued productivity of one or more fish or wildlife populations. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements or to otherwise cooperate with other Federal agencies, the State of Alaska, Native Corporations, and other appropriate persons and organizations, (including, through coordination with the Secretary of State, other nations) in order to protect subsistence resources and uses. Prohibits Federal agencies from withdrawal, reservation, lease, permit, or other use, occupancy or disposition of lands within their jurisdiction if the effect would be to significantly restrict the subsistence uses unless the head of the agency: (1) gives notice to the appropriate State agency, local committees and regional councils; (2) gives notice of, and holds, a hearing in the vicinity of the area involved; and (3) makes specific determinations regarding the purpose and the effect of the restriction. Directs the Secretary to insure the access to subsistence resources on public lands to persons engaged in subsistence uses. Directs the Secretary, acting through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service to undertake research on fish and wildlife resources and subsistence activities on the public lands. Title VIII: Administrative and Miscellaneous Provisions - Authorizes the Secretary to acquire by purchase, donation, or exchange any lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit. Stipulates that land owned by the State, a political subdivision, or a Native Corporation may only be acquired with their consent. Sets forth administrative provisions relating to such acquisitions. Allows the Secretary to permit on conservation system units the use of snow machines, motorboats, airplanes, and nonmotorized transportation methods, subject to reasonable regulation. Authorizes the Secretary to acquire up to 7,500 acres of archaeological or paleontological sites outside of the Cape Krusenstern National Park, Bering Land Bridge National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, and the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Park. Requires the Secretary, prior to acquiring any such property in excess of 100 acres, to submit notice of the proposed acquisition to the appropriate committees of the Congress, and publish notice of such proposed acquisition in the Federal Register. Directs the Secretary to provide advice, assistance, and technical expertise to an applying Native Corporation or Native Group for the purpose of preserving cultural resources, without regard to whether title to such resources is in the United States. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and plan for an information and education center for visitors to Alaska, on no more than 1,000 acres of land adjacent to the Alaska Highway. Authorizes the Secretary to investigate and plan for such centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks, and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to investigate and plan for centers in Juneau, Ketchikan, or Sitka. Authorizes the Secretary to establish administrative sites and visitor facilities within the conservation units, if compatible, or outside the units. Directs the Secretary to locate such sites and facilities on Native lands where practicable and desirable. Sets forth the authorities of the Secretary in regard to establishing such sites and facilities. Directs the Secretary, under reasonable terms, to permit a person who on or before January 1, 1979, was adequately providing any type of visitor service to a conservation system unit, to continue providing the services if they are consistent with the purposes of the unit. Requires that the Secretary, in selecting persons to provide visitor services, give preference to Native Corporations most directly affected by the conservation system unit, and local residents. Directs the Secretary to establish a local-hire program, under which the Secretary will consider for selection qualified local residents to positions in any of the conservation system units, without regard to civil service regulations which require minimum periods of formal training or experience, other preference provisions, or numerical limitations on personnel. Requires the Secretary to submit annual reports and recommendations to Congress on such program. Requires the Secretary to prepare detailed management plans for national park and wildlife refuge units and submit them to Congress within five years of the date of enactment of this Act. Sets forth requirements for such plans, factors which must be considered, public hearings requirements, and requirements for reports to the appropriate committees of Congress. Closes all areas of the National Park System in Alaska to the taking of fish and wildlife, except for authorized subsistence use, fishing, and sport hunting as the Secretary may permit within national preserves. Stipulates that other conservation units will be subject to applicable Federal and State law with respect to the taking of fish and wildlife. Authorizes the issuance of permits to certain sport hunting guide services and nonsubsistence trappers to continue the taking of wildlife in connection with their business for a period not to exceed ten years from the enactment of this Act, if the Secretary determines that a termination of such privilege would result in serious economic hardship for such individuals. Requires that the boundary maps described in this Act shall be on file and available for public inspection in the office of the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture. Specifies that in the event of discrepancies between the acreages stated in this Act and those depicted on such maps, the maps shall be controlling. Prohibits the boundaries of areas added to the national systems to extend beyond the mean high tide line to include lands owned by the State unless the State concurs. Directs that a map and legal description of each change in land management status effected by this Act be published in the Federal Register and filed with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, and that each such description shall have the same force as if included in this Act. Directs that the Secretary shall make each such map and description available for public inspection. Authorizes the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to make minor adjustments in the boundaries or areas added to or established by this Act, as appropriate, following reasonable notice in writing to Congress. Permits reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of existing air and navigation aids and facilities for weather, climate, and fisheries research and monitoring in accordance with applicable law. Authorizes reasonable access to and operation and maintenance of, existing facilities for national defense purposes, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act. Permits the establishment of new facilities for national defense purposes within any conservation unit after consultation with the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture by the head of the applicable Federal department, in accordance with terms and conditions as may be mutually agreed in order to minimize the adverse effects within such unit. Amends the Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to provide that lands owned by the State or any political subdivision may be acquired by exchange or donation and that the State may include minerals in any such transaction. Withdraws all public lands within a specified area near the Denali National Park from all forms of entry or appropriation under the mining laws and from operation of mineral leasing laws of the United States, for the purpose of establishing Denali Scenic Highway. Directs the Secretary to study the desirability of establishing a Denali Scenic Highway and within three years after the date of enactment to report to the President, who shall advise the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of any legislation to create such a scenic highway (if so recommended). Withdraws all public lands within the conservation system units in Alaska, subject to valid existing rights, from the mining and mineral leasing laws of the United States. Directs any holder of a valid existing mineral claim or lease to exercise their rights in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary to assure such activities are compatible with the conservation unit. Denies valid lease status to certain noncompetitive oil and gas leases. Allows any holder of a mining claim who feels he has suffered loss to bring an action against the United States in the U.S. District Court for Alaska. Directs the Secretary to assess the oil, gas, and other mineral potential on all public lands in the State of Alaska in order to expand the data base with respect to mineral potential of such lands. Authorizes the appropriation of such sums as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act for fiscal years beginning after fiscal year 1979. Title IX: Implementation of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and Alaska Statehood Act - Amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to cancel all stock issued previous to December 18, 1991, and to issue shares of appropriate class stock to each shareholder. Makes further provisions for permissible restrictions on stockholders; amendments to the articles of incorporation; and stock alienation, annual audits, and transfer of stock ownership. Allows the Secretary, upon the request of a Village Corporation, to waive the requirement that a Corporation select land in whole sections (and that natural features are to be used as boundaries) where such waiver is justified and appears to be beneficial. Provides for the selection of land by Regional Corporations where the public lands consist only of a mineral estate. Makes provisions for the conveyance of real property by a Village Corporation to a shareholder of such Corporation to provide homesites and for the reconveyance of less than 1,280 acres by a Village Corporation to a Municipal Corporation or the State in trust. Places restrictions on the conveyance to Regional Corporations of lands which are located in a wildlife refuge. Permits a Regional Corporation which is precluded from receiving title to protected lands to file a claim to certain other lands designated by the Secretary for such purpose. Provides that the 20 year moratorium on the payment of State and local real property taxes on land conveyed pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act shall begin with the vesting of title in such lands. Provides that the moratorium shall not apply to land which is leased or developed for purposes other than exploration. States that fire protection of Native land provided by the Department of the Interior shall cover wildland. Provides for the selection of additional lands by a Village Corporation which has not fulfilled its entitlement under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Withdraws from further entry all lands located in patented townsites or which are the subject of an application for patent. Provides for the conveyance of unoccupied townsite lands. Requires the Secretary to act on any pending townsite entry and to issue patent, if appropriate, to the townsite trustee. Approves Alaska Native allotment applications which were pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, and which describe land that was unreserved on December 13, 1968, except when provided otherwise by the applicable provisions of this Act. Makes exceptions to such approval for: (1) allotment applications describing land within the boundaries of a National Park system unit established before or by this Act and the described land not withdrawn; (2) allotment applications describing land patented or deeded to the State of Alaska, or land selected by, or tentatively approved or confirmed to the State of Alaska and not withdrawn; (3) allotment applications where a Native Corporation files a protest stating the applicant is not entitled and the land is withdrawn for selection by the Corporation; (4) allotment applications where the State of Alaska files a protest stating the land in the allotment application is necessary for access to public lands; (5) allotment applications where a person or entity files a protest and the land is a situs of an improvement by that person or entity; and (6) an allotment application that was pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was knowingly and voluntarily relinquished by the applicant. Sets forth procedures for the Secretary to adjust descriptions of lands in allotment applications to eliminate conflicts. Allows the allotment applicant to amend the land description in the allotment if such description describes land that the applicant did not intend to claim. Directs the Secretary to notify the State and all interested parties of such intended correction and gives parties an opportunity to file a protest. Deems vacant, unappropriated and unreserved land described in an allotment application pending before the Department of the Interior on December 18, 1971, which was at such time withdrawn, reserved, or classified for powersite or power-project purposes unless the described land is included as part of a project under the Federal Power Act or is presently utilized for purposes of transmitting or generating electrical power. Reserves such land to be allotted subject to a right of reentry for a specified 20-year period. Directs the Secretary to identify and adjudicate any record entry or application for title made under an Act other than the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the Alaska Statehood Act, or the Act of May 17, 1906, prior to issuing a certificate for an allotment subject to this Act. Directs the Secretary to determine whether such entry or application represents a valid existing right. Disallows the affecting of existing rights acquired by actual use of the described lands prior to its withdrawal or classification. Requires that payments under such Act shall be deposited into the Alaska Native Fund on the first day of the fiscal year for which the monies are appropriated, and shall be distributed at the end of the first quarter of the fiscal year. Directs the Secretary to pay by grant to certified Native Group Corporations an amount not more than $100,000 or less than $50,000 for planning, development, or other authorized purposes. Provides for a two year statute of limitation for the filing of any appeal from a decision of the Secretary under this title or under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Conveys to a Village Corporation found eligible by the Secretary of Interior, the surface estate to public land in its "core" township or townships (towns or townships in which the Native Villages are located). Stipulates that where two or more corporations have claim to the same township, the conveyance is delayed until an arbitration decision or other binding agreement between or among the Corporations is filed with and published by the Secretary. Conveys to a Village Corporation found eligible by the Secretary, the surface estate to certain lands in the "core" township. Conveys the surface and subsurface estate in the former Indian Reserve to certain village Corporations. Excludes the Village Corporation for the Native Village of Klukwan from such conveyances. Conveys the subsurface estate in "core" townships conveyed to Village Corporations, to Regional Corporations to the extent they would otherwise have obtained such subsurface estate pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Sets forth requirements with respect to the granting of easements on such lands. Provides for the relinquishment of all claims by the United States to submerged lands under a nonnavigable meanderable stream or a lake having a surface area of 160 acres or more which is adjacent to land which is conveyed to a Native Corporation pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of this Act. Provides that such submerged lands shall not be charged toward the acreage entitlement of any Native Corporation. Retains in Federal ownership submerged lands within the boundaries of any conservation system unit. Lists specified lands of: (1) Nana/Cook Inlet Regional Corporation, the Ahtna Regional Corporation, and the Bering Straits Regional Corporation to be withdrawn for selection, and (2) the Doyon Regional Corporation to be exchanged for lands relinquished. Requires the Hodzana River area to be managed as a study area by the Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with Doyon, Limited. Lists lands, previously selected by Doyon, Limited which such corporation may identify in partial satisfaction of its entitlement under such Act. Provides for the settlement of certain claims and litigation to implement such Act under the unique circumstances of the Native Village of Eklutna. Directs the Secretary to convey the surface and subsurface estates of specified lands on Afognak Island to Koniag, Incorporated. Directs the Secretary to negotiate with specified Native Corporations for boundaries and prices of certain areas of the Pribilof Islands group to be included in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. Authorizes the Secretary to accept from Arctic Slope Regional Corporation a relinquishment of all right, title, and interest of such Corporation in specified Alaskan lands. Directs the Secretary to make specified conveyances of land pursuant to the Cook Inlet Village Settlement. Grants final approval to all tentative approvals of the State of Alaska land selections pursuant to the Alaska Statehood Act. Vests title in all such lands in the State as of the date of tentative approval. Directs the Secretary to convey public lands selected by the Chugach Regional Corporation from certain lands within the Chugach National Forest. Directs the Secretary to study the land ownership and use patterns in the Chugach region in cooperation with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Alaska Advisory Coordinating Council, Chugach Natives, Inc., and the State of Alaska (if the State chooses to participate). Title X: Transportation and Utility Systems - Declares that applications for rights-of-way in conservation system units in Alaska shall be made only as provided by this title. Provides that transportation and utility systems subject to this title are: (1) water transportation systems; (2) pipelines and other systems for the transportation of their liquids and gases, including oil, natural gas, synthetic liquid and gaseous fuels, and any refined produce produced from such sources; (3) pipeline, slurry and emulsion systems, and conveyor belts for transportation of solid materials; (4) systems for the transmission and distribution of electric energy; (5) systems for the transmission of radio, television, telephone, telegraph, and other electronic signals, and other means of communication; (6) improved rights-of-way for snow machines, air cushion vehicles, and other all-terrain vehicles; and (7) roads, highways, railroads, tunnels, tramways, airports, and other systems of transportation. Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture, in consultation with other appropriate Federal agencies, to prepare and publish a consolidated application form to be used for applying for a right-of-way for a transportation or utility system subject to this title. Requires any Federal agency which receives an application for a right-of-way to notify the applicant within 60 days of the receipt of the application that such application is either complete or that more information is required. Sets forth filing requirements for environmental impact statements required to be filed with an application for a right-of-way. Requires the heads of Federal agencies to coordinate their procedures for processing applications for rights-of-way for transportation or utility systems which require the approval of more than one agency. Sets forth procedures for the consideration, processing, and approval of applications for rights-of-way. Requires the Secretary to submit his recommendation for the approval or disapproval of an application to Congress. Provides that such application shall be deemed approved only upon enactment of a joint resolution by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Title XI: Federal-State Coordination - Establishes the Alaska Advisory Coordinating Council, cochaired by the Secretary of the Interior and the Governor of Alaska and composed of the Alaska field directors of the Federal land managing and planning agencies; the Commissioners of the Alaska Departments of Natural Resources, Fish and Game, and Environmental Conservation; and representatives from a Village Corporation and a Regional Corporation. Requires that all Council meetings be open to the public, with at least 15 days prior notice in the Federal Register and in newspapers of general circulation in Alaska. Directs the Council to conduct studies and advise the Secretary, other Federal agencies, the State, and Native Corporations regarding land and resource uses in Alaska, including natural resource management, economic development, and other land administration programs. Authorizes the Council to recommend cooperative planning and management zones where the management of lands or resources of one member materially affects another. Authorizes Federal members of the Council to enter into cooperative agreements with Federal agencies, with State and local agencies, and with Native Corporations for mutual consultation, review, and coordination of resource management plans within such zones. Authorizes the Secretary to provide technical and other assistance to landowners whose lands or resources are subject to a cooperative agreement, for fire control, trespass control, law enforcement, resource use, and planning. States that such assistance may be provided without reimbursement if the Secretary determines that doing so would further the purposes of the cooperative agreement and would be in the public interest. Provides that the Council will terminate in ten years, unless extended by Congress. Directs the Council to establish a citizens' advisory committee of land-use advisors. Establishes the Alaska Land Bank Program to facilitate the coordinated management and protection of Federal, State, Native, and other private lands. Authorizes certain private landowners to enter into agreements with the Secretary for ten years, with five year renewal periods, concerning the management of the affected lands. Sets forth required terms of such agreements, as well as benefits to private landowners. Provides, as to Native Corporations and other persons or groups that have received or will receive lands or interests therein pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act on this title, immunity from adverse possession, Federal and State taxation, and judgment in any action at law or equity to recover sums owned or penalties incurred by any Native Corporation, or any officer, director, or stockholder of any such Corporation. Title XII: Oil and Gas Exploration, Development, and Production - States as the purpose of this title the furtherance of exploration, development, and production, through private enterprise with appropriate environmental safeguards, of oil and gas resources on certain public lands in Alaska. Provides that this title shall apply to: (1) the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska; (2) nonwilderness portions of all units of the wildlife refuge system in Alaska; and (3) all public lands in Alaska which are not within any conservation system unit and which are managed by the Secretary of the Interior through the Bureau of Land Management. Provides that exploration, development, and production of oil and gas on lands to which this title applies shall be conducted pursuant to the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 except to the extent otherwise provided by this title. Authorizes the Secretary to issue permits for the exploration for oil and gas resources which is conducted pursuant to a plan approved by the Secretary. Requires the holder of any permit issued by the Secretary to disclose to the Secretary any information obtained as a result of any exploration activities. Requires the Secretary to maintain the confidentiality of such information until the permittee acquires a lease for the lands on which the permit data was acquired or at such time as the data ceases to hold proprietary value, but in no case longer than ten years. Directs the Secretary to study such information and to consult with the Secretary of Energy regarding the national interest involved in exploring for and developing oil and gas from lands subject to this title. Directs the Secretary to encourage the State to undertake studies on lands associated with lands subject to this title. Provides that leases shall be issued only by competitive bidding with respect to the following lands: (1) the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska; (2) nonwilderness portions of all units of the wildlife refuge system in Alaska; and (3) all public lands in Alaska which are not within any conservation system unit and which are managed by the Secretary through the Bureau of Land Management and are determined by the Secretary to be within an area favorable for the occurrence of oil or gas. Requires the development and production of oil or gas on leased lands to be carried out in accordance with a development and production plan approved by the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to suspend or cancel such leases if he determines that operations under such lease pose environmental threats to the land. Requires the Secretary to issue a permit for oil and gas exploration on public lands within six months of a request if the applicant is not required to file an environmental impact statement, or three months after the filing of such a statement if such a statement is required. Requires the Secretary to include in reports required under the Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 information with respect to oil and gas development activities under this title. Requires the Secretary to establish a program for the consideration and issuance of exploration permits to applicants for public lands within the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska, including public lands within the Teshekpuk and Utukok National Wildlife Refuges within 240 days after the date of the enactment of this Act. Requires the Secretary to publish a schedule of proposed lease sales covering such land and to hold the first lease sale on such lands within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. Provides that exploration for, and development and production of, oil and gas on nonwilderness areas within the National Wildlife Refuge System shall be carried out according to the provisions of this title, except for lands that have been withdrawn from such use under this Act. Directs the Secretary to establish a program for issuance of exploration permits and for lease sales of lands subject to the Bureau of Land Management.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Relieves a named corporation of the obligation to pay social security taxes (or interest and penalties thereon) on specified wages paid to individuals during specified periods, if such corporation furnishes specified evidence to the Secretary of the Treasury. Permits such individuals to enter into arrangements with the Secretary to pay amounts equal to such taxes for social security entitlement purposes. Directs the Secretary to refund to such corporation all such tax, interest, and penalty payments made by such corporation.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Preretirement Education Act of 1979 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish a program of grants to: (1) develop model preretirement education programs; (2) train personnel for such programs; (3) prepare related information and materials; and (4) provide consultation services. Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to carry out a preretirement education study and a retirement employment study.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Oil Imports Act of 1979 - Title I: Oil Importation - Prohibits the importation of crude oil or other petroleum products into the United States unless permitted by, purchased by, or manufactured from crude oil purchased by the American Oil Import Corporation, to be established under this Act. Sets forth requirements for issuing import permits for the importation of crude oil and petroleum products. Directs the Corporation to issue permits for such imports, in cases of national emergency, to insure access by the Armed Forces of the United States to needed oil supplies. Requires that crude oil and petroleum products for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve be purchased from the Corporation. Grants to the Corporation exclusive purchasing authority for crude oil and petroleum product imports, and sets forth requirements regarding such purchasing authority. Title II: American Oil Import Corporation - Establishes a nonprofit corporation to be known as the American Oil Impact Corporation, to be managed by a Board of Directors to be appointed by the President. Establishes an Advisory Board to the Corporation, composed of officers of specified Federal agencies and departments, to meet periodically with the Directors to share information of the activities of the Corporation pertaining to the various departments and agencies represented. Sets forth the powers and duties of the Corporation and confers upon the Corporation nonprofit status. Establishes a Public Energy Fund in the Treasury of the United States into which shall be deposited revenues from activities of the Corporation. Provides that such funds, including appropriated funds as authorized by the Congress, shall be used by the Corporation for carrying out this Act. Sets forth specified reporting, recordkeeping, and audit requirements on the Corporation. Title III: Miscellaneous Provisions - Makes it a crime for any officer, employee, or person acting for or on behalf of the United States or any department or agency thereof to prematurely disclose information concerning crude oil or petroleum products required to be withheld from publication until a fixed time or to speculate directly or indirectly in any such product by buying or selling the same in quantity before such information is made public through regular official channels. Repeals the standby purchase authority of the President under the Emergency Petroleum Allocation Act of 1973.
United States · United States Congress · 10 April 1979
Wind Energy Systems Research, Development, and Demonstration Act of 1979 - Declares it to be the policy of the United States and the purpose of this Act to establish a research, development, and demonstration program for converting wind energy into electricity. Sets as a goal of such program the attainment of a total megawatt capacity of at lease 500 megawatts from wind energy systems by fiscal year 1986 and the reduction of the average cost of electricity produced by such systems to a level competitive with conventional energy sources. Authorizes the Secretary of Energy to enter into such contracts and make such grants as may be necessary or appropriate for the development of wind energy systems for commercial production and utilization. Directs the Secretary to enter into arrangements with appropriate Federal agencies to carry out projects and activities with respect to Federal facilities as may be appropriate for the demonstration of wind energy systems which are suitable and effective for use in such facilities. Sets forth criteria for selection of programs consistent with the purposes of this Act. Directs the Secretary to monitor, collect and evaluate data and information, and conduct studies and investigations relating to wind energy systems and programs. Directs the Secretary to assure that information relating to programs, projects and other activities conducted under this Act are widely disseminated to Federal, State, and local authorities, relevant segments of the economy, the scientific community and the public, so as to promote the use of wind energy to the maximum extent feasible. Directs the Secretary to assure that small businesses will have adequate opportunities to participate in the programs conducted under this Act to the maximum extent practicable. Authorizes the appropriation of $100,000,000 for fiscal year 1980 to carry out the purposes of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Solar Energy Employment and Training Act - Amends the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act of 1973 (CETA) to authorize the Secretary of Labor to provide financial assistance to certain CETA prime sponsors and other private nonprofit or public agencies, including community-based organizations, unions, and vocational education facilities, to provide employment and training programs in the fields of solar energy and energy conservation for persons who are: (1) unemployed or underemployed; or (2) in school and are ages 16 to 24, inclusive. Directs the Secretary, after consultation with the Secretary of Energy, to promulgate guidelines for such programs. Allows Governors or prime sponsors, in order to carry out such programs and after consultation with community-based organizations and nonprofit groups, to: (1) enter into contracts with project applicants or employers organized for profit (with limitations on payments to such employers); or (2) operate such programs directly. Requires the Secretary, in awarding financial assistance under the provisions of this Act, to assure that: (1) each geographical section of the country is awarded a project; (2) sufficient natural resources and technology are available to ensure a successful project; and (3) areas which are poor in conventional energy sources are awarded financial assistance. Directs the Secretary to use up to 20 percent of such funds to support certain apprenticeship projects, including those in the solar and energy conservation aspects of traditional building trades and new trades. Authorizes appropriations for such programs for fiscal years 1980 through 1984. Limits to 25 percent the amount of such funds which may be used for administrative and other allowable costs incurred by groups conducting such projects. Directs the Secretary to arrange for the implementation of solar energy and energy conservation education and training programs in suitable Job Corps centers.
United States · United States Congress · 9 April 1979
Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Congress should approve supplemental appropriations in specified amounts to provide sufficient funds for programs under the Older Americans Act of 1965.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Supplemental Security Income Disability Amendments of 1979 - Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act to state that a disabled individual by reason of his or her earnings shall not be considered able to engage in substantial gainful activity, for the purpose of determining eligibility for SSI benefits, unless such earnings exceed the level at which the portion not excluded under title XVI equals the benefit that would be payable under title XVI if such individual had no income of any kind. Increases the amount excluded from the income of a disabled individual applying for SSI benefits by providing the following additional exclusions: (1) an amount equal to 20 percent of such individual's gross earned income representing expenses attributable to the earning of such income; and (2) such additional amounts of earned income of such individual as may be necessary to pay for attendant care services, medical devices and prostheses. Increases amounts excluded from income for blind individuals applying for SSI benefits by excluding, in addition to the present exclusions, the costs of attendant care services, medical devices, equipment and similar items necessary for such individual to work. Extends to the 15th month following the end of an individual's trial work period the time for which an individual may be considered disabled under title XVI. Stipulates that no SSI benefits may be paid for any month after the third month in which an individual engages in substantial gainful activity during such 15 month period. Considers an individual applying for SSI benefits presumptively disabled if within the four years preceding such application, such individual was treated under title XVI or title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act as a disabled individual but ceased to be so treated because such individual engaged in the performance of substantial gainful activity. Stipulates that the performance of such activity may be taken into account in determining whether or not such individual is currently disabled. Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to carry out demonstration projects which are likely to assist in promoting the objectives or administration of title XVI of such Act. Lowers from 21 to 18 the age at which a parent's income ceases to be included in a child's income for purposes of determining eligibility for SSI benefits. Excludes disability determinations under title XVI from being reviewed by the Secretary in specified percentages as is required with disability determinations under title II. Directs the Secretary to include certain information in any decision as to the rights of any individual applying for benefits under title XVI. Permits SSI benefits to be paid to individuals participating in approved vocational rehabilitation programs which will increase the likelihood that such individual may be permanently removed from the disability benefit rolls.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
Authorizes rural hospitals of less than 50 beds which have been granted a certificate of need for the provision of long-term care services to enter into agreements with the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under the Medicare (title XVIII) and Medicaid (title XIX) programs of the Social Security Act providing that their inpatient hospital facilities may be used to furnish services which if furnished by a skilled nursing facility would constitute post hospital extended care services. Authorizes, pursuant to such agreements, payments to be made for skilled nursing services and intermediate care services furnished by a hospital.
United States · United States Congress · 5 April 1979
National Vitiligo Control Act of 1979 - Amends title XI of the Public Health Service Act (Genetic Diseases, Hemophilia Programs, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to establish a program for the diagnosis, treatment, and control of vitiligo, including information services and health education with respect to such disease. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress on the administration of the program.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Social Services and Child Welfare Amendments of 1979 - Title I: Social Services - Amends title XX (Grants to States for Services) of the Social Security Act to increase the total amount allocable to the States for social services to $3,100,000,000. Provides 100 percent Federal matching funds for child day care services under title XX, to the extent that a State's expenditures do not exceed a certain level, during fiscal years 1980 and 1981. Stipulates that to the maximum extent feasible such funds should be used to increase the employment of welfare recipients and other low-income persons in jobs related to the provision of child day care services. States that funds granted by a State to a qualified provider of child day care services for the payment of wages in jobs related to the provision of child day care services shall, for the purposes of title XX, constitute expenditures for the provision of child day care services. Authorizes expenditures for personnel training or retraining under title XX to exceed, according to a certain formula, the limits set for such expenditures if a State submits a training plan, approved by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, specifying in detail how funds for such training and retraining will be used. Requires State officials to consult with local officials in developing a comprehensive services program plan. Makes permanent the provisions of title XX permitting expenditures for the initial detoxification of alcoholics and drug addicts living in hospitals, extended or intermediate care facilities, prisons, or foster homes. Permits expenditures for the provision of emergency shelter, not in excess of 30 days in any six month period, provided as a protective service to an adult in danger of physical or mental injury, neglect, maltreatment or exploitation. Directs the Secretary to allocate $100,000 annually to the Northern Mariana Islands for the administration of its plan under part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV of the Social Security Act. Title II: Child Welfare Services, Foster Care, and Adoption Assistance - Sets forth revised State plan requirements under part B (Child Welfare Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act, including a States requirement to provide that the standards and requirements with respect to child day care under title XX shall apply with respect to day care services under part B of title IV. Directs the Secretary to pay from a State's part B allotment an amount equal to 75 percent of the State's expenses for child welfare services. Requires States, in order to be eligible for certain additional allotments under part B, to: (1) complete case reviews of children in foster care under the responsibility of the State; (2) issue a report based on such reviews; and (3) take such actions as necessary to establish and place in effect laws and regulations which provide specified safeguards and protective measures to assure proper foster care placement, including a fair hearing procedure for any parent, foster parent, guardian or child who believes that he or she has been aggrieved by the foster care program. Sets forth the definition of terms used in this Act, including the term "child welfare services." Defines such term to mean, among other things: (1) protecting and promoting the welfare of all children; (2) preventing the unnecessary separation of children from their families; and (3) placing children in suitable adoptive homes where restoration to the biological family is not possible or appropriate. Requires each State having a plan approved under part A of title IV to make adoption assistance payments to parents who adopt a child who is eligible for assistance under such part and who is determined by the State to be a child with special needs. Stipulates that such payments shall take into account the economic circumstances of the adopting parents and the needs of the child. Defines a child with special needs as a child who: (1) cannot or should not be returned to his or her biological family; (2) is difficult to place because of ethnic background, age, or physical or mental handicaps; and (3) has not been able to be placed with appropriate adoptive parents without adoption assistance payments. Title III: Miscellaneous - Amends part A (General Provisions) of title XI of the Social Security Act to increase the maximum amount of payments payable to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam for services and items under titles I (Old-Age and Medical Assistance), X (Aid to the Blind), XIV (Aid to the Permanently and Totally Disabled), XVI (Supplemental Security Income), and IV (part A) of the Social Security Act.
United States · United States Congress · 4 April 1979
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit a provider of services, when furnishing blood to medicare recipients, from: (1) charging more than the processing fee paid by the provider for the blood; and (2) charging for the cost of the administration of the blood by the provider. Eliminates the deductible for the first three pints of whole blood furnished during any spell of illness.
United States · United States Congress · 3 April 1979
Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act - Authorizes the President to enter into agreements with countries, which are parties to the "Convention on the means of prohibiting and preventing the illicit import, export, and transfer of ownership of cultural property," to apply import restrictions on the archaeological or ethnological materials of requesting countries. Directs the President to seek a commitment of the requesting country to permit the exchange of such materials. Requires the President to report to Congress concerning such agreements. Authorizes the President to apply import restrictions if it is determined that an emergency condition applies with respect to such materials. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to promulgate a list of the archaeological or ethnological materials covered by such agreements or emergency actions. Establishes a Cultural Property Advisory Committee to review requests and recommend whether an agreement should be consummated or an emergency action implemented. Requires the Committee to review the effectiveness of such agreements or emergency actions. Prohibits the importation into the United States of: (1) designated archaeological or ethnological materials unless the appropriate country issues a document of lawful exportation; or (2) cultural articles stolen from a museum or a religious or secular institution. Sets forth procedures for temporary disposition, seizure, and forfeiture of articles under this Act. Exempts certain articles from this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 2 April 1979
Amends title XVI (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) of the Social Security Act to provide that an individual who applies for supplemental security income benefits on the basis of disability shall be considered presumptively disabled if he has received disability insurance benefits under title II (Old-Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act or supplemental security income benefits as a disabled individual within five years of his most recent application for supplementary security income benefits. Provides that benefits paid to an individual who is considered presumptively disabled under this Act will be considered overpayments if such individual is ultimately determined not to be disabled in fact.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Outstanding Americans Gold Medallion Act - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to strike and sell gold medallions to the general public commemorating Doctor Martin Luther King, Junior, George Washington Carver, Albert Einstein, and Thomas Alva Edison.
United States · United States Congress · 29 March 1979
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to extend the period from 24 to 36 months that funds allotted to a State for construction of treatment works shall remain available for obligation by the State.
United States · United States Congress · 28 March 1979
Asbestos School Hazard Detection and Control Act of 1979 - States the purposes of this Act to be to: (1) establish a Federal task force to ascertain the extent of the danger from asbestos materials in schools to children or employees; (2) require States to establish programs for asbestos inspection in schools; (3) provide scientific and technical assistance to States and local school boards; (4) provide loans for the mitigation of serious asbestos hazards in schools; (5) assure that no disciplinary action be taken against employees for calling attention to such hazards; and (6) require certain persons involved in mining, refining, or importing asbestos used in construction material to reimburse the Federal Government for a share of the costs of the asbestos program conducted under this Act. Establishes the Asbestos Hazards School Safety Task Force. States that such Task Force's duties shall include: (1) compiling and disseminating medical, scientific, and technical materials to State and local entities; (2) reviewing and approving State applications for grants and loans; and (3) assisting in formulating standards and safety procedures. Requires State educational agencies which seek administrative funds to submit to the Secretary a plan which: (1) describes the manner such State shall disseminate information on the health hazards of asbestos fibers; (2) describes the content of such information; and (3) describes the procedures to be used by the State in maintaining records on asbestos. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to local educational agencies for the Federal share of the costs of carrying out an asbestos detection program meeting the standards of this Act. Prohibits the making of such grants unless an application has been submitted to and approved by the Secretary after consultation with the task force. Authorizes the Secretary to allocate up to 20 percent of such asbestos detection funds for use in education and technical assistance programs. Requires recipients of such asbestos detection funds to file a report with the Secretary describing detection and testing activities undertaken, the results, and the plan for correcting any discovered asbestos hazards. Establishes an Asbestos Hazards Control Loan Program in the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Stipulates that loans from such program shall be: (1) available only to correct imminent asbestos hazards in schools to school children or school employees; (2) limited to projects covering more than 2,500 square feet; (3) for a period not exceeding 20 years; and (4) interest free. Requires applications for such loans to describe: (1) the nature of the asbestos problem; (2) the results of preliminary testing; and (3) the methods to be used to correct such problem. Requires the Secretary to report annually to the appropriate House and Senate committees regarding such loan program. Directs the Secretary to promulgate and distribute to the States safety standards and procedures for testing the level of asbestos in schools, for determining the likelihood of the leakage of asbestos into the school environment, and for determining which contractors are qualified to carry out testing and evaluation procedures. Stipulates that no employer receiving funds under this Act shall discharge or discriminate against any worker who focuses public attention on an asbestos problem in his or her school district. Stipulates that nothing in this Act shall restrict any other legal rights in connection with the purchase or installation of asbestos materials in schools, or with any claim of disability or death from exposure to asbestos in a school setting.
United States · United States Congress · 22 March 1979
Urban Grant University Act of 1979 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Commissioner of Education to make grants to urban universities (as defined by this Act) to assist them in carrying out urban-oriented projects. Sets forth grant application guidelines, including a requirement that no project grant may exceed 90 percent of such project's total cost. Stipulates that any institution receiving assistance under this Act shall be designated as an "urban grant university." Requires the Commissioner to publish annually a list of such urban grant universities. Limits the annual amount of such assistance to institutions in any one State to 15 percent of the total amount paid.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Vietnam Veterans Act - Title I: Employment - Provides that Vietnam veterans eligible for specified veterans' educational benefits may use up to 12 months of such benefits for employment assistance payments to non-Federal Government employers hiring such veterans. Establishes eligibility requirements and guidelines for participating veterans and employers. Title II: Health and Psychological Care - Authorizes the Veterans' Administration to provide outpatient mental health services to Vietnam veterans with emotional or psychological civilian readjustment problems. Directs the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs to establish a program of treatment for Vietnam-era veterans or members of their immediate families with alcohol or drug abuse problems. Provides that any individual eligible for treatment in either the readjustment or alcohol drug program may elect to have such treatment at any community health center providing such services under the Community Mental Health Centers Act. Directs the Administrator to reimburse such centers for such treatment. Authorizes an employee of the General Accounting Office assigned to duty in a Veterans' Administration health facility to act as ombudsman for the patients of such facility. Title III: GI Bill Education Assistance - Extends the ten year delimiting period for veterans' educational assistance eligibility to January 1, 1985, for veterans discharged before December 31, 1969. Removes the requirement of State matching funds for veterans' accelerated payment of educational assistance allowances. Title IV: Administrative Costs for State Home Loan Programs - Authorizes the Administrator to provide grants to States for administrative expenses for the start- up costs veterans' home loan programs. Title V: Commission to Study Veterans' Benefits - Establishes the Commission on Veterans' Benefits to make a comprehensive study of United States laws providing benefits to veterans and their dependents, with particular attention to the needs of Vietnam veterans.
United States · United States Congress · 20 March 1979
Authorizes the Joint Committee on the Library to procure a bust or statue of Martin Luther King, Junior, to be placed in a suitable location in the Capitol. Authorizes appropriations not to exceed $25,000 for such purpose
United States · United States Congress · 19 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow handicapped individuals a nonrefundable income tax credit for 20 percent of their commuting expenses for a taxable year. Limits the amount of commuting expenses which may be taken into account for the credit to $5,000. Reduces the amount of commuting expenses eligible for the credit by one-half of the amount by which the taxpayer's adjusted gross income exceeds $20,000. Defines a "handicapped individual" as an individual who is blind or has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last continuously for at least 12 months and which prevents the individual from using public transportation. Defines "commuting expenses" as expenses for the transportation of a handicapped individual between his residence and his principal place of employment.
United States · United States Congress · 14 March 1979
Domestic Violence Prevention and Services Act - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to designate a Coordinator of programs to be responsible for: (1) the operation of a national clearinghouse to collect and disseminate information relating to domestic violence; (2) the development of a national media campaign to increase public awareness of the problems of domestic violence and the availability of services for its victims; and (3) making recommendations to Congress with respect to modification of Federal programs. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to States to assist them in supporting programs and projects to prevent incidents of domestic violence and to assist the victims and their dependents. Stipulates that such funds may not be used for direct payment to any victim of domestic violence or to a dependent of such victim, and that no income eligibility standard may be imposed for anyone seeking services under this Act. Requires the Secretary to make annual reports to Congress and to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of such programs no later than three years after enactment. Requires that the records of any person subject to any program, project, or activity assisted under this Act be subjected to the confidentiality provisions of the Drug Abuse Office and Treatment Act of 1972. Establishes an Interagency Domestic Violence Council to assist the Director in coordinating all Federal programs regarding the prevention of domestic violence and the provision of assistance to victims and their dependents.
United States · United States Congress · 13 March 1979
Directs the Department of Commerce, in cooperation with the Department of Labor and the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, to adopt methods for improving and expanding the collection and analysis of labor force characteristics relating to women in all occupations, especially in professional, technical, and managerial positions. Requires the Bureau of Census to provide a statistical breakdown of data relating to the employment of women equal to that provided in the case of men.
United States · United States Congress · 8 March 1979
Prohibits the revenues received from the postal rates for not more than 250,000 pieces of a nonadvertising publication from exceeding the postal costs attributable to such mail matter as of the first day of the eighth year after the first Postal Rate Commission decision affecting such mail. Requires postal rates for nonadvertising portions of mail to be based solely on weight.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Amends part B (Child Welfare Services) of title IV of the Social Security Act to require States receiving payments under part B to develop an individualized case plan for each child receiving foster care, and to establish procedures for an impartial review of each such plan at least once every six months. Amends part A (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) of title IV to stipulate that the voluntary removal of a child from a relative's home prior to February 1, 1979, shall be considered to have been the result of a judicial determination if such an impartial review has been made and such child is determined to need foster care.
United States · United States Congress · 7 March 1979
Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a refundable, income tax credit for household expenses to any taxpayer who maintains a household in which a dependent aged 65 or over resides. Limits such credit to $250 for each aged dependent for the taxable year.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Hospital Cost Containment Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to promulgate annually, beginning January, 1980: (1) a national voluntary percentage limit on hospital expenses; and (2) a voluntary percentage limit on hospital expenses for each State. Specifies the formulas for calculating such limits. Includes as factors for determining the national limit: (1) the average wage increase paid to employees (excluding supervisors and doctors of medicine or osteopathy) of hospitals in the United States; (2) the average price increase in the U.S. paid in appropriate classes of goods and services (to be determined by the Secretary); (3) the percent of hospital expenses attributable to such wage and price increases; (4) the annual increase in the national population; and (5) a one percent allowance for the net increase in hospital service intensity. Includes these factors in the formula for determining the State limits, except that the average wage increase is to be based on employees of hospitals in each State and the annual population increase is based on increases in each State. Directs the Secretary to promulgate annually, beginning January 1980, a voluntary percentage limit for each hospital for the hospital's accounting period ending in 1979. Specifies the formula for calculating such limit. Directs the Secretary to promulgate annually, beginning January, 1981, a voluntary percentage limit for each hospital not subject to a mandatory limit under this Act for the hospital's accounting period ending in the preceding year. Specifies the formula for calculating such limit. Directs the Secretary to determine or estimate before July 1, 1980, and before July 1 of each succeeding year: (1) the difference in dollars between (A) the percentage increase in the expenses of each hospital not subject to a mandatory limit under this Act in the preceding year, and (B) the voluntary percentage limit for the hospital for the accounting period; and (2) the sum of such differences. Provides that: (1) if such sum is zero or less, no hospital shall be subject to a mandatory limit under this Act for its accounting period ending in the year; or (2) if such sum is greater than zero, then the Secretary shall determine the sum of the differences in each relevant State. Defines "relevant State" for such purposes. Provides that: (1) if this sum is zero or less in a particular State, no hospital in that State shall be subject to a mandatory limit under this Act for its accounting period ending in the year; or (2) every hospital, for each accounting period beginning after January 1, 1979, and for each succeeding accounting period, shall be subject to a mandatory limit as prescribed by this Act, unless such hospital is otherwise exempted by this Act. Requires the Secretary to exclude the hospitals in a particular State from such mandatory limits at the request of the chief executive of any State, under specified conditions. Authorizes the Secretary to exempt a hospital from such mandatory limit upon a determination that such exemption is necessary to facilitate certain experiments or demonstrations entered into under specified laws. Specifies: (1) the formula for calculating mandatory limits; and (2) the circumstances under which the average reimbursement payable to a hospital by a cost payer per admission, and the average inpatient charges per admission of a hospital, for any accounting period of the hospital subject to a mandatory limit, exceed such limit. Directs the Secretary, in calculating such mandatory limits, to develop: (1) a system of grouping hospitals by appropriate characteristics, such as patient case mix and metropolitan or nonmetropolitan setting; and (2) a method of measuring efficiency within each group that provides for setting a group norm, defined in terms of all or certain hospital expenses. Requires the Secretary to assign to each hospital in a group a percentage bonus or penalty related to the extent to which a hospital's expenses differ from the group norm, according to a specified formula. Allows the Secretary to make further adjustments to such percentage bonus or penalty in order to allow for changes in admissions or other factors warranting special consideration. Sets forth procedures by which a hospital may request the Secretary to exercise such discretion. Prohibits the reimbursement for inpatient hospital services provided under Medicare (title XVIII of the Social Security Act) to the extent that it exceeds the applicable mandatory limits established under this Act or under a State mandatory hospital cost containment program of a State whose hospitals have been excluded under this Act. Provides that: (1) payment shall not be made to any State; and (2) payment shall not be required to be made by any State under title V (Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services) or title XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act with respect to any amount paid for inpatient hospital services in excess of the applicable mandatory limits established under this Act. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to impose on a hospital an excise tax equal to 150 percent of the amount of excess reimbursement which such hospital has with respect to a cost payer for an accounting period subject to a mandatory limit. Imposes such tax on a private cost payer, if a hospital has such excess reimbursement with respect to such payer. Imposes on a hospital which has excess inpatient charges for an accounting period subject to a mandatory limit, an excise tax equal to the product of 150 percent of the amount of excess inpatient charges of the hospital for the accounting period, and the fraction of such charges not attributable to cost payers. Sets forth procedures for the payment of such taxes, or for the deferral and abatement of such taxes, if a hospital has an escrow account approved by the Secretary. Authorizes the Secretary to exclude from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, or the Maternal and Child Health and Crippled Children's Services program a hospital which changes its admission practices in a manner that tends to reduce the proportion of inpatients for whom reimbursement is less than the anticipated inpatient charges applicable to them. Establishes a 15-member, part-time National Commission on Hospital Cost Containment to advise the Secretary with respect to the implementation of this Act, and other matters affecting hospital expenses or revenues.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Congressional Districting Act of 1979 - Specifies that each State entitled to more than one Representative in the 98th or any subsequent Congress shall establish a number of districts equal to the number of Representatives to which that State is entitled. Declares that no district shall differ substantially in population size from another. Requires a five-member redistricting commission to be established in such State which shall conduct public hearings with respect to the boundaries of districts and prepare and submit to the Federal Election Commission a plan for redistricting to be published in the Federal Register. Sets forth judicial procedures to insure compliance with this Act. Authorizes the Federal Election Commission to administer and distribute funds to each State for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Alcohol Production Incentive Act of 1979 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a taxpayer to elect an income tax deduction with respect to the amortization, based on a 60-month period, of any qualified facility producing alcohol from coal or biomass for primary use as a substitute for fuel.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Amends the Food Stamp Act of 1977 to remove the $75 limit on the excess shelter expense deduction in the computation of household income for households composed entirely of persons who are age 62 or older, or who receive supplemental security income benefits under title XVI of the Social Security Act. Entitles such households to a medical expense deduction to the extent that the monthly amount expended by any such household for medical or dental care exceeds the amount of the standard deduction in effect.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Amends the Clean Air Act to direct that any regulations which require a gasoline station to offer unleaded gasoline be amended to require the sale of a blend of unleaded gasoline and alcohol which contains not less than ten percent alcohol. Provides that such requirement shall apply only if it is determined that supplies of such a blend are reasonably available to filling stations. Directs the Secretary of Energy and the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to take cooperative action to facilitate expanded production and distribution of alcohol for use as a motor vehicle fuel and fuel additive.
United States · United States Congress · 6 March 1979
Declares that the Senate should approve and the President should ratify the International Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
United States · United States Congress · 5 March 1979
Senior Citizens Health Insurance Reform Act of 1979 - Directs the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to institute a program of voluntary certification for health insurance policies sold in supplementation of medicare. Sets forth minimum standards for such certification with respect to liability, cancellation, reasonableness of premium charge, and economic benefit to the insured. Establishes criminal penalties for: (1) misrepresentations in connection with such certification; (2) the sale of specified types of duplicate insurance; and (3) certain activities in connection with the sale of insurance policies in States which have not approved such policies.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Social Security Administration Act - Title I: Social Security Administration - Amends title VII (Administration) of the Social Security Act to establish as an independent agency of the Executive branch of the Government, a Social Security Administration, headed by a Board appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Declares that it shall be the duty of the Administration to administer the programs established by titles II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance), XVI (Supplemental Security Income) and XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act, and to discharge the duties and responsibilities imposed on the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare in connection with the administration of the program established by title IV of the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969. States that the Administration shall also have the duty of studying and making recommendations as to the most effective methods of providing economic security through social insurance, and as to legislation and matters of administrative policy. Provides for the appointment of an Executive Director and a General Counsel of the Administration. Makes the Administration responsible for administering the old age, survivors, and disability insurance program, medicare, supplemental security income, and the black lung benefit program under the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act. Transfers to the Social Security Administration: (1) all functions carried out by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare with respect to the administration of programs and activities the administration of which is vested in such administration by reason of this Act; and (2) all personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, and records which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget determines to be employed, held or used by the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare primarily in connection with the functions, activities, and programs which, by reason of this Act are vested in or become the responsibility of the Administration. Abolishes the position of Commissioner of Social Security. Title II: Miscellaneous and Conforming Amendments - Prohibits the mailing of announcements with Social Security and SSI checks which make reference by name, title, or signature to any officer of the United States. Makes technical and conforming amendments to the Social Security Act, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act, the Budget and Accounting Act, and the Executive Schedules of the United States Code.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) of the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates below the level established by the Social Security Amendments of 1977 on employment income for both employers and employees and on self-employment income. Increases by 50 percent Federal contributions to the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund, and the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund established under title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act. Increases the ceiling on the amount of income that is subject to social security taxation to $100,000 in 1980.
United States · United States Congress · 1 March 1979
Amends the program of optional State supplemental payment under title XVI of the Social Security Act (Supplemental Security Income for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled) (SSI) to direct the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to furnish States with such information about residential institutions, foster homes, and group living arrangements in which a significant number of recipients of SSI benefits are residing as is necessary for the States to establish and enforce standards for such institutions. Sets forth specific matters which such State standards must cover. Deletes the requirement of a reduction of the payment of an SSI beneficiary who lives in such an institution, home, or group living arrangement when such residence does not meet State standards. Directs the Secretary, upon findings that the standards established by a State under this Act will assure a reasonable standard of well-being for residents of such institutions, to reimburse the State for the costs attributable to the compensation or training of personnel responsible for inspecting such institutions to determine whether they comply with the standards established by the States.
![Official portrait of Rep. Rangel, Charles B. [D-NY-15]](https://www.congress.gov/img/member/r000053_200.jpg)